Fan 1

Jason Fan

Laffin

English III AP 6th

15 October 2015

Discussion Questions

Part 1:

1. How does the scaffold itself signify and exemplify the theme of exposing sin?

2. What effects did this religiously-tied government have on the plot and how does this

relate to the author’s purpose of exposing the Puritan society?

3. Should Chillingworth be considered a protagonist in a way since he indeed seeks

justice in the novel?

4. How does Dimmesdale’s characterization throughout the novel impact the both the

reader and the characters’ perception of him even after his sin was revealed?

5. Can the “A” emblem ever really escape its true meaning with Hester or will the

meaning stay with her forever?

6. What was the purpose of each of the three people Dimmesdale saw after meeting

Hester in the jungle?

7. Is Chillingworth’s title of a “leech” emphasizing a parasitic relationship? Who is he

leeching on?

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8. Can it be that the “levels” that which characters stood throughout the three scaffold

scenes have no significance? Or in contrast, do the “levels” signify the outward

reputation of each person to the crowd?

9. Could Chillingworth be characterized as the devil himself? How does the

characterization relate to the theme that vain choices are made with vengeance?

10. Can Chillingworth truly be seen as evil, even after he gives Pearl part of his estate?

Part II:

1. (4) How does Dimmesdale’s characterization throughout the novel impact the both

the reader and the characters’ perception of him even after his sin was revealed?

- A. Dimmesdale is highly revered throughout the novel, as can be seen by

when, during Hester’s trial, Hawthorne describes the preacher’s voice as

“tremulously sweet, rich…[and] caused [feelings] to vibrate within all hearts”

(62). The extensively descriptive diction almost allows the reader to hear

Dimmesdale’s voice in their head because Hawthorne emphasizes the talent

that Dimmesdale has for speaking, which entrances the audience. This feature

may sway the onlooker towards a perceived thought of righteousness. It can

be quite difficult as a regular parishioner of Dimmesdale to suspect any sinful

behavior, especially since “his eloquence and religious fervor had already

given the earnest of high eminence in his profession” (61). In addition to the

ability of speech, Dimmesdale also has the merits and religious support from

his congregation, further burying the sin deep inside him, going seemingly

unnoticed to the common man. In this sense, Dimmesdale is virtually

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invincible from any accusations made by a commoner, but is only susceptible

to the vengeance of Chillingworth.

- B. Although one might say it is very obvious that he is hiding something when

“the minister keeps his hand over his heart”, due to the physical toll the sin

had on him (170), in context to the peoples of the town, they still have the

precedent of complete sinless-ness whenever Dimmesdale is brought to mind.

2. (5) Can the “A” emblem ever escape its true meaning of adultery, or will this letter

forever embody Hester’s past sin?

- A. Based on the actions taken by Hester throughout the novel and towards the

end, I feel the definition of the letter has transformed throughout the plot.

Essentially it does indeed “threw a lurid gleam along the dark passage-way of

the interior” (64). The interpretation was in the mercy of the present situation,

which was very hostile towards Hester’s sin, which would explain the

objective meaning of the letter. It then slowly transformed its meaning into

one that “meant Able; so strong was Hester Prynne, with a woman’s strength”

(150). The public realized that she, although committing a horrendous sin, still

lives righteously and even helps the poor, which shows that one can learn

from one’s sin and build one’s character from that experience.

- B. Although some may argue that the meaning never wears off, for in the end

“Hester Prynne had returned…and taken up her long-forsaken shame” (245), I

would argue that perhaps she had a close connection with the location in

which the most pivotal points in her life occurred (The sin, Pearl’s birth and

childhood, etc…), which is why she came back.

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3. (9) How does Chillingworth’s characterization throughout the novel relate to the theme

that with vengeance at focus, vain choices are made?

- A. Chillingworth is definitely an interesting character, in which he morphs

roles, in that he could be considered a protagonist at one point but an

antagonist in other points in the novel. The introduction of Chillingworth can

be misleading, for it creates a sympathetic link between the reader and the

character in that he was “a stranger and have been a wanderer, sorely against

my will” (56). One feels sympathy for Chillingworth because as far as the

information goes, the husband of Hester has been delayed and imprisoned by

Indians, and arriving upon the village he sees his wife being punished for

adultery. However, as the plot moves along, the reader realizes that

Chillingworth indeed seeks mere revenge against Dimmesdale by going “deep

into his patient’s bosom, delving among his principles, prying into his

recollections, and probing every thing with a cautious touch, like a treasure-

seeker” (115). To Dimmesdale’s demise, Chillingworth stalks and inspects his

every move, hoping to bring the proof of his sin to light and to ruin

Dimmesdale’s life.

- B. However, one could discuss and point out that “he bequeathed a very

considerable amount of property, both here and in England, to little Pearl” at

the time of his death (245). One might ask how a character made for the

purpose of revenge still has decency left in him to leave a large part of his

estate to the child created from his enemy. I would think that simply because

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he did not despise Hester and because Pearl did not cause the act of sin to

occur that Chillingworth gave generously to her.